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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:03
The Preparation of Electrohydrodynamic Bridges from Polar Dielectric Liquids
Published on: September 30, 2014
Wind-Driven Formation of Ice Bridges in Straits
Bhargav Rallabandi1, Zhong Zheng1, Michael Winton2
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 8, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a theory for wind-driven ice bridge formation in narrow straits. A critical ice thickness and compactness are needed for stable ice bridges, impacting sea ice export.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Sea Ice Physics
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Ice bridges, formed by packed sea ice in straits, are crucial for local ecology and climate.
- The formation and breakup dynamics of ice bridges are poorly understood and difficult to predict.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive theory for wind-driven ice bridge formation in narrow straits.
- To provide quantitative estimates of ice fluxes and export during ice bridge breakup.
Main Methods:
- Utilized long-wave approximations and a continuum model for sea ice dynamics.
- Developed a one-dimensional theory for ice bridge formation.
- Validated the theory against direct numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- A critical ice thickness and compactness are necessary for the formation of a steady-state ice bridge.
- The theory predicts quantitative ice fluxes, aiding in estimating sea ice export.
- The findings have implications for understanding dense granular flows in confined geometries.
Conclusions:
- The developed theory provides a framework for understanding and predicting ice bridge formation and behavior.
- This research enhances our ability to model sea ice export and its climatic impacts.
- The principles may extend to other geophysical and granular flow systems.
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